Vanguard

Chapter 40

"Rally and Division"

[UNSC Vanguard, ventral hangar bay, three hours later]

SPARTAN Longarm takes a step back and sits down on the hard flooring next to the starboard side wall to take a brief break from assembling droids from the still very large pile of broken down machinery before him. So far he had put thirty seven B1s back together, as well as five B2s and one of the trickier DSD1 Spider Droids, while Jorge managed to repair twelve droids before having to resume his daily patrols around the ship, Cila went with him. Ahsoka had already repaired forty seven droids before she headed off to take a shower, put her normal clothing back on after having to lug around the heavy ODST issued armor and gear for a day, then return to the hangar so she could get started on her newly acquired star interceptor. As of now she was currently lying underneath the fighter craft using what tools were available to her to make repairs to the best of her abilities, that was until she came out from underneath and wiped her greased forehead before she stood up and started to make her way towards the resting soldier.

She eventually reaches him and sits down next to him against the wall, he was silent but she wondered "You ever thought about life existing in another galaxy? Before all of this?"

He turned his helmeted head towards her for a brief moment before he faced forward again "When we made first contact with the Covenant, I started to rethink about everything, even what lied beyond our galactic border."

"What did you imagine?"

". . . Something far worse than the Covenant. But then again I suppose I was half right about that."

She chuckled "Huh, what makes you say that?"

"Well . . . I don't recall engaging four-armed droid commanders, Force wielding swordsmen, clones, and droids in my thirty years of experience."

She had to ask "And the other half?"

"On the other hand I didn't expect everything we have gone through so far."

"Yeah I can say the same . . ."

The two fell quiet afterwards letting the silence fill the hangar but soon enough James asked "How's the Senator?"

"He's trying to come up with a speech for his broadcast, though I'm starting to think he's not with us a hundred percent just yet."

"He's not fully convinced we're capable of taking on the empire."

"Yeah."

The two went silent yet again, Ahsoka simply stared out into the empty hangar looking from ship to ship while James began to glance at his own gloved hands. It had never happened to him before but ever since the Imperial Ball he felt conflicted inside with all of these emotions and gut feelings, the fear he felt when Ahsoka kissed him was probably the worst he ever felt in his entire life. He felt confused, unsure of how to cope with this sort of ordeal , and worried that this may inevitably compromise a mission or the safety of themselves.

"What're you thinking?" Tano asks when her eyes turned to him.

His head then turned to her "Hmm?"

"You got something on your mind, what is it?"

"Nothing . . ." he answered before looking back at himself "It's just something I have to figure out myself."

"Okay . . . I think I'm going to go take a break, you wanna come?"

He took a moment to decide "No . . . I'll stay here and keep working."

"Alright" she answered as she stood up "Just don't work yourself too hard. You need some rest yourself."

Afterwards she begins making her way towards the exit, leaving the SPARTAN alone with his droids, and once she was out of sight he got back up and resumed his work.

[One hour later, Command Bridge]

Aboard the bridge, the recently activated B1 droids continued monitoring various systems and sensors throughout the ship by Percival's orders. The OOM command battle droid was starting to feel like a first mate to the AI who couldn't help but feel pride and joy in having a sizable crew once again after so long, true he would miss his former captain and crew due to the bond they had as one but the changing of command would've happened one way or another. He just didn't expect it to happen like this.

The commander droid stepped in front of the AI's avatar, who currently appeared lost in his thoughts, and reports "Sir, we have another fifteen droids ready for command, what should I tell them?"

The droid's voice snapped Percival out of his moment and he looks to the machine "Good . . . have them begin aiding SPARTAN-121 in the reassembly efforts, the sooner we have our droid army reassembled the quicker we can move onto other matters."

"Roger Roger."

The droid steps away to relay the orders to its bridge crew leaving Percival back to his mind, but his moment didn't last when he hears the bulkhead hatch swish open behind him. He turns and finds Ahsoka, Lux, and Bayu walking in together talking about something.

The British officer gave a warm grin just as Cila turned and greeted him "Hi Percy!"

"And hello to you too Miss Cila, how was your day?"

"It's alright, have you found my crystal yet?"

"I'm afraid not, but in a moment I'm going to have James get on the case."

She smiled to that "Thank you . . . this means a lot."

"I know my dear" the AI nodded before he looks up to Tano and Bonteri and addresses the former "Are you ready for another history lesson?"

Tano answered "In a way yes, but I think Lux here needs some inspiration for his speech."

The officer looked to the senator "Having trouble are we?"

Lux steps forth and asks "How far do you believe everyone will go to achieve this rebellion against a greater foe?"

From that question the AI grinned "Hm, I believe I have something for that."

His avatar begins to step away from the middle of the holotable towards one of the corners as he spoke "I believe to find the answer to that we'll have to go back a few centuries, about six to be more precise."

From the holotable rose a representation of Earth and her continents, he continues "In the twentieth century, six hundred and seventeen years ago, our cradle world was engulfed in global war. The two major powers of this conflict was the Allied Powers, consisting of Great Britain, the Soviet Union, France, eventually the United States of America who entered later in the war after a devastating attack on their home soil by the Japanese, and a number of other countries that opposed the Axis Powers."

As he said the names of each participant in the war their territories lit up with their national flag waving, he went on "On the other side were the Axis, with Germany, Italy, and the Empire of Japan."

The Earth itself then disappeared and in its place showed a map of Europe with borderlines drawn out through it "The war officially began in 1939 when German troops marched into its neighbor state, Poland, and began its campaign to persecute Jewish men and women believing they were the direct cause of the poor state of their home after their first defeat in the First World War roughly twenty years prior."

Percival then notices Lux's glare, while seemingly interested it was clear that he was still trying to find the answer to his question, he decides to speed things up "But I suppose the lesson I have for all of you today will be found near the end of the war."

The map of Europe shifted from its place and soon a large region of water appeared with two land masses on either side, the United States on the right and Imperial Japan on the left "Five years later, with Germany and Italy now largely defeated. The Japanese Empire continued to hold its ground against the much larger industrial might of the States. With the climbing losses of ships, planes, and islands to hold, the Japanese began to grow desperate and decided to launch a campaign of Kamikaze attacks, pilots flying fighter planes loaded with extra fuel and explosives and guiding them into American warships in a vainglorious fashion of death and honor. While the Kamikaze proved devastating at first, the Americans continued to construct and launch more ships than can be destroyed."

The map then narrowed down to the island of Japan itself "With the United States Navy now assaulting one of their closest islands, Okinawa, the Japanese couldn't afford to send what very few ships they still have in their arsenal. However Emperor Hirohito expressed his wishes that the navy will make every effort in aiding the defending Japanese forces on the island. After much debate it was decided that they would send the remaining ships they have to hopefully halt the invasion, including the super battleship Yamato, in what would be known as Operation Ten-Go."

"Curious name . . ." Bonteri notes.

The AI nodded "Indeed" and soon the hologram narrowed even further down to one of the Japanese ports which harbored a massive warship lying in wait for deployment.

The ship itself caught the trio's attention with her heavy armament of cannons and vast size compared to the lesser naval vessels sitting around her. Tano even took note of how the weapon systems were aligned noticing the three primary gun housings, each carrying three individual cannons of a high caliber, centered in the hull with two mounted on the bow and the third placed on the aft. Second were two more gun batteries to compliment the main guns, much smaller in size and caliber but still featured the triple gun layout, and finally was the array of small anti-air cannons and machine guns spread out across the entirety of the ship. This alone foretold that the ship was immensely powerful.

The holotable then took the Japanese battleship and displayed it in the center for all to see and expanded it in size, Percival went on "The Yamato was one of two ships under the Yamato-Class Battleship line, with her sister ship Musashi as her only other compatriot, and she served well with the Imperial Japanese Navy since the beginning of the war. Measuring at two hundred and sixty three meters long from bow to aft and weighing in at over seventy thousand tons on a full combat load, this battleship was the largest combat vessel ever created by humanity at that time, and not to mention with her nine on board eighteen inch guns she could put quite a dent into the Vanguard given the opportunity. Her fierce anti-air armament can hold multiple squadrons at bay for a reasonable time but back then they did not carry advanced targeting systems but rather relied on the gunners' skills and intuition, they did however compensated this with immense volume of fire, something that may prove challenging for Longarm or even you Miss Tano."

Ahsoka gave a smirk in response but then asked "If it was so powerful what happened to it?"

"Well . . . the mission for Yamato and her accompanying fleet was to make haste towards Okinawa and run themselves aground along the beaches of the island, from there they would be considered unsinkable and are to act as static gun batteries until they were truly destroyed. That did not happen however as the Americans caught wind of this and quickly made preparations."

The holographic battleship then shrunk and placed in open waters along with smaller eight destroyers and one light cruiser, all heading in one direction with waves rolling in their wake.

"Accompanying Yamato are her smaller escorts assigned to defend her from enemy attacks. Miles away, two American carrier task forces began mobilizing their air wings launching multiple fighters and bombers hoping to crush the Japanese response fleet before they could reinforce Okinawa. A total approximate number of four hundred American aircraft launched their attacks in multiple waves, this combined force consisted of F6F Hellcat Naval Fighters and F4U Corsair Interceptors, SB2C Helldiver Dive Bombers carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives, and TBF Avengers armed with Mark 13 Torpedoes well capable of punching through even the thickest of armor."

As mentioned the group watched as the first wave of planes appear on hologram and began their runs flying blindly without fear through the fierce anti-air fire and flak, completely dismissing the escort ships and targeting the battleship herself.

"Why aren't they attacking the other ships? Shouldn't they eliminate the defenders and make the Yamato an easier target?" Ahsoka wondered.

"They could've done that" Percival answered "But each plane had a very limited payload, once they completed their run they must return to their home carrier to rearm and refuel, a process which will take too long in a situation where time isn't a luxury and the main priority is stopping Yamato from reaching Okinawa and tear the American fleet apart."

Lux watched silently as wave after wave engaged the super battleship, flying courageously into fire just to drop a single bomb or torpedo, or even strafe the deck gunners with their onboard armament of 50. caliber machine guns. Each plane moved with such speed and grace it seemed that the pilots were used to this sort of combat situation, but even then he noticed only a few planes were ever shot down by incoming fire.

Cila's eyes were completely fixated on the Yamato alone with her compliment of a hundred and ninety anti-aircraft guns, ranging from the dual heavy 127mm Type 89 flak batteries, numerous 25mm Type 96 AA autocannons and 13.2mm Type 93 heavy machine guns blistering with automatic fire. But what really caught her attention were the ship's primary armament, nine eighteen inch cannons designed to knock out enemy surface vessels, slowly turning each way to fire off massive rounds, it seemed impractical to use such large slow moving weapons on such small and nimble fighters. The battleship's firepower alone was enough to blacken the skies around her and to add to that was the combined fire of nine other vessels, a hellish bubble of airspace that no sane starfighter pilot would dare run through.

Wave after wave a rain of bombs or strings of torpedoes would strike the battleship, the torpedoes that missed their target would continue swimming until they struck another ship or miss completely and head out to open sea. It was amazing to see the Yamato take such punishment but it became apparent that her speed had decreased after she took on enough water through the hull breaches below the waterline, some guns were permanently silenced whenever a bomb would obliterate a gun emplacement or a spray of bullets would tear up a crew of gunners. Under withering fire, the Yamato was starting to weaken.

"The engagement lasted only about two hours before finally American pilots were able to stop her completely, not long after fires on board caused by the continuous bombings reached her forward magazines and detonated releasing an explosion reported to have been seen and heard from two hundred kilometers away. After the devastating blast the infamous battleship capsized and sank to the bottom of the sea, taking nearly all of her remaining crew with her to the darkness . . . only roughly two hundred and eighty men were rescued from the remaining destroyers before fleeing back to the Japanese homeland."

"So that's it then . . . the Yamato sank and the Imperial Navy was defeated . . ." Bonteri summarized trying to understand the lesson "I'm sorry but what does this have to do with now?"

Percival seemed amused by the Senator's arrogance "My dear Senator did you not pay attention?" he then turned to Ahsoka "Tell me, what did you think of the Americans?"

"They were powerful . . . if they were able to muster four hundred planes as well as carrier groups and an invasion fleet at the same time, I'd say they were heavily industrial. They could produce anything and everything if they wanted" she answered.

"And the Japanese?"

"Severely outmanned and outgunned, but in the end they fought to the last man . . . dying to do what they believe will bring them honor and dignity."

"Quite . . ." the AI responded with a small grin before he turns back to Lux "You see, despite how outgunned and outnumbered the Japanese were near the end of the war they continued to fight ferociously to the end no matter what they outcome may be. Their numbers were dwindling but they didn't care, they continued to fight and the Yamato was their greatest sacrifice yet. Take what you learned and look at the situation around you, what do you see?"

Bonteri took a moment to think and ponder about their current situation, he quickly came to realization "We're the Japanese . . ."

"And the Empire has taken the role of the Americans. We are severely outgunned and outnumbered- a million to one, but you don't see us giving up so easily. We stand our ground because we would rather die than surrender to the Empire and if we're going down we might as well take a few of them with us."

"I see . . . and yet you intend to succeed where the Japanese has not. Don't you think this is a lost fight?"

A new voice spoke from behind "Only if we intend on losing it."

The three turned around to see Jorge walking in, his helmet down by his side and his eyes narrowed on Bonteri "We've been in a tight spot before with the Covenant and we still kicked their tails, this isn't any different."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Well we've came a long way from just starting out with James and Miss Tano, look at us now."

Lux had to admit he was impressed, if this merely started out with a SPARTAN and a former Jedi and now two ships with a fighter compliment, two SPARTANs, four Jedi, a Senator, an advanced 'Smart' AI, and a small army of battledroids then they had to be doing something right.

He gave a small grin "Huh, I guess we have something after all . . . and thanks to Percival, I think I have something" he then turns to the AI "Is there a way you can conceal my identity while I make my address to everyone?"

"Of course, it's no difficult task."

Ahsoka also notes "The Empire will make every effort to stop the transmission, I hope your ready for this."

"I'm successfully connected to the Holonet, if they make a move I'll know about it and deal with it accordingly. But I advise you be quick about this Senator."

"Of course" Bonteri smiled charismatically "I'll need a little time to prepare first."

[James' quarters]

SPARTAN-121 lied in bed in his armor with his eyes closed, he hadn't had rest for several days and lord did it feel good. He wasn't quite sure what everyone else was up to but he could only assume and hope. His quarters was dead silent with the only sounds being the shifting movement of his armor and the rustling of his cot. He was actually relieved that Percival managed to redirect some B1s to assist in repairing the dismantled droids which means their little army should be up to operational status in roughly two days which will also lead to the shortened time needed to reinforce the Vanguard's titanium hull with durastell armor giving the destroyer superior protection against incoming fire, if only they could salvage some weapon systems from the wreckage to give the vessel better firepower but unfortunately that would consume far more energy than the output their deuterium fusion reactor can give.

An idea ran across his mind, perhaps with some raw materials they could construct several miniature ship-to-ship MAC batteries with their onboard fabricator, but the idea was quickly scrapped realizing that there would be no viable location for them to collect said materials and remain undetected by Imperial patrols.

Soon enough his terminal chimed which prompted him to sit up with a small grunt and see Percival's avatar appear on screen "Enjoying your rest SPARTAN?"

"I was . . ." he answered.

"Hmm, well I think it's time you begin to search for our missing crystal . . . and I'm afraid you already know what to do."

"Just leave it to me Percival, I'll handle it."

"Very well . . ." the AI nodded moments before his avatar disintegrates into the background.

As ordered he stands to, grabbing his Mk. lV helmet before fitting it over his head, and venture out into the corridor. He knew the first person to talk to.

[Twenty seven minutes later, Mess Hall]

The olive drab super soldier steps into the large cafeteria and quickly spots a solemn Lador Mattis eating alone. He quietly walks over until the Jedi notices him and sits down across from him, Mattis seemed unsure as to why the SPARTAN would come to him.

"Is there something I can help you with James?" he asks.

"I just need to ask a few questions, are you doing alright?"

The Jedi sighed as he put his fork aside "I'm fine . . . I'm just trying to grasp the gravity of our predicament."

"I understand . . . I also understand that while Ahsoka and I were gone to Onderon that Cila's crystal went missing, I know Jorge wouldn't do a thing like that. I just need to know where it is."

"You and think I know where it is?"

"No. I want to know where Cain took it."

Lador looked up at the SPARTAN, unable to determine whether he was kidding or being serious behind the gold visor "You believe it's him? How do you know it wasn't me?"

"Because you place Bayu's training ahead of everything else, you'd realize that without her crystal she would be too distracted to focus. You want her to be prepared for what's ahead but you can't do it if she's like this."

"And what makes you believe it is Komari?"

"Cain has shown to be against violence of any degree, I believe he fears that Cila may become something like Ahsoka or the other Jedi before the attacks on the temple. In order to stop her from becoming another saber wielding warrior he felt it is necessary to take the crystal and leave her without a weapon to train with. Not to mention he showed little interest in her training whenever we are around."

Mattis' eyes fell to the plate in front of him, the thought of his best friend resorting to stealing didn't set right with his mind and stomach, but the SPARTAN's reasoning wasn't flawed. He knew it was too good to be true but how could he refuse this information now. For Cila's sake he needed to help.

"I don't know where Komari is now, but I suggest caution when you confront him about it."

"Consider your warning noted" Longarm nods as he stands up and heads for the exit.

[Fifteen minutes later, Komari's Quarters]

James stood silently in front of the door leading into Cain's personal quarters, the Jedi was the only explainable answer for the disappearance of Cila's kyber crystal, and he knew what had to be done.

He gives the order in his calm tone "Percival, open it."

The AI responded rather cautiously "For the record . . . I strongly advise against this. If Cain isn't the one who took-"

"I know the risks . . . open it."

Without another word Percival opens the door allowing the SPARTAN entry into the Jedi's room, Komari was nowhere to be found and the room itself had no signs of his existence, as if he had never even sat foot in the room at all. He begins his search starting with the locker sitting next to the computer terminal, he opens the latch to only find a pressed immaculate naval uniform belonging to the previous owner that died long ago. There was nothing else of note inside so he closes it gently and moves onto the cot that seemed untouched, he lifts the small pillow revealing nothing to fruit and eventually pulled the blanket off finding nothing yet.

He begins raising the mattress itself when he hears a familiar voice address him "Looking for something?"

The SPARTAN turns to find the blind Cain Komari standing in the door way, his left arm crossed his chest while his right held out a small crystal, Cila's crystal.

"I figured it was you" he remarked as he stood up to confront the Jedi.

"I suppose it wasn't that difficult to figure it out, there is a thing called personal privacy if you hadn't noticed."

"Ever heard of personal property?" James points out "That crystal doesn't belong to you."

Cain scoffs "I'm well aware of it and I have my reasons for what I did, something a brute such as yourself will never understand."

The soldier opens his arms "Try me."

"Hmph . . . very well I'll amuse you. The reason I took this crystal from young Bayu was to save her, drive her away from a doomed tradition and send her down a path that will ensure her survival- not just as a surviving member of the Jedi Order but as pure being who will not kill or commit any sort of crime against life."

"So you're willing to commit a crime to prevent one?"

"Precisely. Let me ask you this, how do you think Bayu will respond when she makes her first kill whether it be a droid or a living being? How will she act when she arrives on her first battlefield and witness you and your allies slaughter hundreds all for a futile cause? What will you do when she comes to confront you about what it is like to kill and die in the field of battle? What will you say?"

James stopped and thought about it, it's true that one day Cila will become old enough to want to fight by the SPARTANs' side for the first time. Her trial by fire will be nothing like she could imagine and she will be afraid, something that may cost her life or that of those around her. She will begin to have questions and wonder why things such as war exist.

The soldier's head bowed "I don't know what I'll say . . . I can only do what I can right here and now, and that's to prepare her for what's to come."

The Cerean scolds the SPARTAN "You wish to prepare a child for a war she will not win? Such an ignorant gesture."

James then looks up and stares him in the eye "Whether you like it or not, the Empire doesn't share your sentiment on how to handle matters. When the time comes and they begin to board this destroyer, will you fight back to defend yourself and the lives of those on this ship?"

"I will only fight back to a degree, but I vowed to myself that I will never take a life and if it means being gunned down by Stormtroopers in a hail of blaster fire then so be it. But I will die knowing I stand by my beliefs."

"And what about Cila's beliefs? She deserves to live the way she chooses. You can't force her down a path that you have laid for her."

"And what of you? You intend to prepare her to fight and die for a cause against a force that you can never beat."

"I intend to prepare her for the time she will have to defend herself. Whether or not she chooses to stay and fight the Empire is not mine to make. She needs to decide for herself."

"No!" Komari raised his voice, tightening his grip around the crystal "The path she'll choose will only lead her to a mindless path just like everyone before her. I will not allow it to happen again!"

The super soldier stopped, his tone was calm and his mind what set on one thing "What happened to Agos and Eva?"

Cain's moment of anger quickly lulled as he thought back on his two apprentices, his expression saddened "They- . . . they were killed along with the others . . . They believed in their own power that they could stop Vader and his clones. Their violent ways had led them down a path I could not save them from . . . they're . . . gone."

His anger then fixated on the SPARTAN and his voice became firm "This is why I must do what has to be done, I will not let this happen again, not to young Cila."

James then began to raise his hands towards Komari in a calm manner "Cain, give me the crystal."

"No. I'm going to destroy it, this will mark the end of the warring ways of the Jedi."

"You destroy that crystal and that will be the last mistake you'll ever make."

"Is that a threat SPARTAN?"

"Consider it a promise."

The two stood silently, eyeing one another waiting for the other to make the first move, soon enough James took the first step towards the Jedi and in an instant Komari seized the SPARTAN's body and launched him towards the back wall before darting away down the corridors. James recovers moments later and storms out of the room before dashing off after the Cerean.

Cain ran at a steady pace, swiftly sprinting through intersections and open bulkheads, but when he glanced back he could see the augmented soldier keeping pace with him.

He then could hear his voice roar out "Percival! Seal the bulkheads at intersection J-7!"

As expected Cain could hear the bulkhead hatch ahead of him begin to descend from the ceiling at an alarming rate, he quickly uses the Force to give himself a sudden burst of speed but it was already too late by the time he reached the intersection and the hatches had fully sealed. He stops himself and turns to face James once again who slowed down to a slow cautious march.

"I'm not telling you again Cain, give me the crystal" he orders.

"I will not let you send Cila down a path that will lead her to a quicker death!" he roared back.

"Komari, believe me I don't want to see her die as well. But she needs to be prepared for what the galaxy has become."

"I'll train her the ways of the Force, she can defend herself and she will never have to take a life!"

"Taking a life is a matter of choice, that's life. But if you destroy that crystal then you'll crush her spirit, she'll never be the same . . ."

"If it means that she will lead a new way of life never having to fear about killing, then so be it" Cain mutters just before he begins crushing the crystal within his hand.

In a sudden jolt of speed James lunges at the Jedi tackling him hard to the ground and forcing him to let go of the crystal, Cain retaliated by shooting up his right fist that collided with the SPARTAN's helmet causing him to coil back and back away allowing Komari to stand to and ready himself. He draws from his experience with his adversary back on Dantooine, realizing the soldier can take a lot of punishment and deal just as much in a single blow therefore avoiding retaliatory attacks is a priority.

James threw his arms up in his boxer stance and begun to carefully etch closer and closer towards the Jedi who stood his ground patiently waiting for the SPARTAN to strike without warning.

Then as he expected, the soldier breaks out into a sprint with such speed and cocks his right arm back before launching it towards the Cerean's head but the Jedi swiftly ducks below the fist allowing James to pass by him. But in response Longarm threw his left arm back to catch Cain from behind but the Jedi ducks again and delivers a rapid blow to the SPARTAN's side. The punch didn't faze the super soldier much and to counter this he throws a swift right hook towards the Jedi who then deflects it with a blow from his arm, using the Force to augment his physical capabilities to give himself a better chance against the superior soldier.

With a sudden burst of power Komari was able to push the seven foot armored giant away several meters, sending James sliding back with his feet scraping against the metallic flooring, and readies himself for another round. Longarm had to admit that for a blind man Cain was able to hold his own fairly well especially against a commando of his caliber.

It was then when the two heard the voice of Bonteri speaking through the intercom system, and to the entire galaxy as a whole "Citizens of the galaxy, to all who can hear my voice I bring a message. The Empire isn't what they claim to be, they're not heroes, keepers of order, or righteous bringers of justice. Our once faithful knights of the Republic has become nothing more than mindless enforcers of a tyrannical dictator."

James' moment of listening was over when he focused his attention back onto Komari who was suddenly feet from him with his right fist flying in a low hook that slammed into his abdomen. The blow had little effect on the SPARTAN, only a short grunt was heard as he took a couple of steps back, and almost instantly he grabs the Cerean by his arm, threw him over his shoulder slamming the Jedi's back against the floor, and quickly follow up with a swift fist that came barreling towards Cain. However Komari quickly rolls out of the way letting the soldier's hand crash into the floor paneling, leaving a fist-size dent in the floor, and swiftly swung his boot up where it smashes into the SPARTAN's visor causing him to stagger further.

"-But this doesn't mean that we have to live under their rule afraid, unable to stand up for ourselves or others."

Komari quickly scrambled back up to his feet and deflects another incoming right-handed blow from James with a smooth palm thrust, however the SPARTAN expertly responded to this by sweeping his left foot underneath the Jedi and catch him by surprise when he began to topple. When Cain fell onto his back he reached out with his hands and as Longarm prepared to finish this scuffle with one final strike a surge of electrical power shot out from the Jedi's finger tips, engulfing the soldier in a storm of lightning. The SPARTAN's shields quickly overloaded and shattered leaving the titanium alloy and bodysuit to receive the brunt of Cain's Force attack but the newly found sheer intensity made the soldier cry out in pain as Komari slowly gained the upper hand, steadily standing back up while his adversary crumpled to his knees.

"-If we can stand together then we can stop this new era of fear before it can get any worse. We can reclaim what was lost to us during the Clone Wars and we can return to a peaceful freedom once again."

Cain ceases his electrocution and looks down at the soldier who sat on his knees trying to recover from the attack "You may have your little rebellion, but I'll be damned if I willingly allow you to steer Cila towards her own end."

James slowly got up on one foot and responded with exhaustion heard in his voice "I care for her as much as you do . . . you have to see the reasons why I'm doing this . . ."

The Cerean then reached out with the Force and retrieved the crystal from the floor "The sad truth is I do, but it does not mean we have to kill for our own freedom."

The crystal then gently fell into his hands "We can show them that we are better than murderers and tyrants. But only if we sacrifice that primal instinct that drives us to kill. Surely you can see reason in that . . ."

Longarm then looks up into Cain's face, the bandages around his eyes seemed aged and worn out from use, "I do . . . I understand the reason to become better than something. But we are already better than them, not just by skill or combat prowess, but because we're willing to do what the Empire won't for its people- to defend them and help them maintain hope for a better future."

Within a blinding second, the super soldier clenches his right fist and sends it rocketing into the Jedi's stomach. Cain was shocked with pain and the sudden abandonment of oxygen as it left his body due to the force of the blow he had just received. He gasped for what air he could get but in the sense of anguish he felt the SPARTAN's gloved hand engulf his own and deprived them of the crystal he had planned to destroy.

"But sometimes we have to send a clear message that we won't go quietly into the dark."

James lets go of Komari who then fell to his hands and knees with one hand clenched over his stomach as saliva dripped out of his mouth, he felt the urge to vomit but he fought it trying to keep himself composed. On that note the soldier begins to leave only to be met with a squad of reactivated B1 battle droids and a pair of the heavier B2s that were arriving on scene after hearing the disturbance from close by.

One droid marked with red stripes put its hand up to stop the super soldier and asks "Halt, what's going on here?"

Longarm then made his report "This man was caught with stolen property, I handled the matter personally and apprehended him in the process. I request that he'd be taken to the brig for further questioning."

The droids glanced at one another then the sergeant acknowledged "Roger Roger" and turns to two others "Take him to the brig."

"Roger Roger" the others obliged before they marched over and grasped Cain's arms within their metallic hands.

But as they began to carry him away, Komari warns the SPARTAN with a cough "This is a grave mistake . . . I swear on this."

James only had one response to this "Only time will tell . . ." before the droids began to carry him off with no struggle or another word.

"It's only a matter of time before the Empire bears down on our lives with fear, we of the first rebels will not stand for this. Sadly there will be loss, but this is when we don't lose our hope- this is when we. Fight. Back!"

[Command Bridge]

"And that should do it. The message was received well throughout the galaxy with the most Imperial resistance coming from the core worlds- but it got through nonetheless, and it won't be till long before we begin to see reports of uprisings. I have to say that was quite a speech Senator" Percival remarks as he ensures the last of their transmission was encrypted to ensure the location of the Vanguard was kept hidden from the Empire.

"Do you think it'll work?" Bonteri wondered as he shared glances with everyone around him.

"It will" Ahsoka reassured him with her soft tone.

Jorge however asks the AI "You think the Empire will be able to track the transmission back to here?"

"Not likely, they had to have someone either very resourceful or damn smart enough to break my encryptions. The better question is what is our next move?"

Everyone fell silent, looking to one another for an answer but none could bring a worthy idea to the table.

052 eventually suggests "I suppose we go back about our business until something comes up."

Tano concurred "There's nothing else to do, now would be a good time to start fixing that Delta-7 in the hangar."

"I'll come help you" Lux offered.

But lastly Cila stood silently watching as Ahsoka and Lux began to leave, they were quickly stopped when the hatch opened in front of them revealing James who had just stepped off the lift. They soon noticed the scorched markings on his armor that was done all too recently.

Tano immediately stops and at the sight of the SPARTAN's armor she had to ask "James what happened!?"

But Longarm gave no answer, instead he steps past her towards Cila and kneels down before the Pantoran before he extends his right hand and reveals her lost crystal to her.

Her eyes quickly opened wide and she quickly took the crystal in her hand "You found it!" she then looks into his gold visor "I can't believe you found it!"

"You're welcome" he calmly answered before he stood back up to see everyone staring at him.

Ahsoka asked again "James, what happened?"

Longarm felt it was unnecessary to mention Cain in the disappearance of the crystal, especially in front of Bayu who expects highly of him, and decides to put that off "We'll discuss that later . . . for now let's just get back to business."

Tano looked to Lux and Jorge, neither had the slightest clue of what transpired, but Percival's expression was stern and displeased, it was certainly a question for another day.

[Meanwhile, Imperial Palace Throne Room, Coruscant]

"Sadly there will be loss, but that is when we don't lose our hope- this is when we. Fight. Back!" a echoing tone roared defiantly, the voice was altered to the point where no known vocal analyzer could decipher the identity of said voice but clear enough for any ear to hear.

In his black throne chair, the new Emperor Palpatine sat silently and displeased with what he had just heard as he stared at a hologram of a crest featuring an eagle holding a banner over a planet. In the distance he could hear the clacking of boots marching towards him and soon enough he sees two imperial officers step into the dull light that shone from above in the vastly dark chamber.

The first of two spoke "You're excellency . . . we regret to inform you that we are unable to track the transmission back to its origin."

Sidious spoke, his voice crackled which made the two men shiver involuntarily "Were you able to stop it?"

"Yes my lord but only to a degree-" the officer's voiced then choked.

By an unseen force, the silent imperial could see his colleague begin to suffocate, then the Emperor continued "I will not tolerate incompetence, Commander, pray your explanation will save your life."

Almost immediately the commander gasped for air that suddenly rushed into his lungs, he took in several deep breaths before he continues, now seeming hesitant to even speak, "We were able to stop the transmission from reaching Coruscant and the core worlds, but other systems from the Expansion Regions to the Outer Rim Territories were able to receive the message clearly."

There was a pause of silence, prompting the Sith Lord to ask "Is there more to your report?"

The Commander stuttered "It's too early to confirm anything but there hasn't been any response to the message indicating anyone taking up arms."

"If these insurgents are to continue spreading word of rebellion then everything I have promised will be ruined. See to it this does not happen again, I will not be so forgiving if you fail me again Commander . . ."

"Y-Yes your excellency, I will triple my efforts."

"See to it that you do . . ."

The two officers turned on their heels and hurried out of the chamber leaving the emperor to himself once again, staring at the crest with his foul yellow eyes. But it wasn't long till he heard the slow heavy mechanical breathing of another being, one he had hoped to speak to on this matter.

From his right he could see the dark-suited figure step up next to him, the breathing was ever so clear and dominated the silence, from the breathing a deep calm voice spoke, one filled with cold and unforgiving hate masked by the vocoder built into his dark durasteel helmet "You have need of me, my master?"

"I have my apprentice. Tell me, have you seen this icon from before?"

The figure studied the hologram and quickly recognized it "Yes, my Master. It is that of the Vanguard and the SPARTAN known as Longarm."

"And the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker?"

"Yes . . . it is them."

"Then this was to be inevitable, but this act of rebellion has started much sooner than I have expected. This nuisance will become a serious threat if we allow it to continue."

"This act will be their undoing . . . once we locate them, they will not get away."

"Yes . . . but I fear it may not be an easy task for our forces."

The apprentice knew what was about to happen "What will you have me do my master?"

Sidious almost cracked a grin upon his aged lips "Lord Vader . . . see to it that you will personally dispose of these traitors, all of them."

The newly reconstructed lord of the Sith, now clad in a jet black bodysuit featuring various armored components, cybernetic enhancements and Sith alchemy to enhance the performance of his broken body, a long dark cape made out of armorweave, and finally his skull-like helmet featuring his respirator, and soulless black eyes, Darth Vader silently bowed his helmeted head with pleasure in his heart "It will be done, my master."

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